New to AZ Hiking

rdgit · Post by **rdgit** » Oct 17 2002 8:28 pm

My wife and I have visited AZ 3 times in 3 years and are returning in Nov. We have hiked on each visit and find the experience exciting. On each hike, we have found ourselves alone and although thoroughly enjoying, we have felt threatened by the unknown, both human and other. I worry about wild dogs, coyotes, etc and the possibility of someone looking for the opportunity to take advantage of someone far from civilization. What are the dangers and what can we do to protect ourselves?

scottmackey · Post by **scottmackey** » Oct 17 2002 10:22 pm

Well wild hogs (javelina) generally won't attack humans, they have very poor eyeset and rely on smell so if they smell an unknown animal (you) they'll most likely run away. Coyotes are even less likely to attack you, they generally only come out at dusk or night. As for other humans .. I've encountered a few shady characters but never felt threatened. Your biggest threat in the AZ backcountry would have to be either rattlesnakes or mountain lions.

My best advice for protection against any of those animals mentioned above would be pepper spray. Get one of those cans that sprays like a 30 ft stream, that stuff will fend off anything with eyes and a nose.

Have fun though, there really isn't anything to be worried about.

*edit* I re-read your post and saw you wrote 'wild dogs' not 'wild hogs' .. oops! ;)

ck_1 · Post by **ck_1** » Oct 17 2002 10:42 pm

I've always felt more safe on the trail than I do on a sidewalk, but your fear of the unknown is rational.

Wild Dogs...not much of a concern unless you are on reservation land, I've only run into dogs up on the reservations in the Northeast corner of AZ...a strong firm yell made them turn away though, so not much fear.

Javelina ...if you get between one and it's young, they will certainly charge you....they also like to do a little false charge where they run at you and then back away..

The only way to defend yourself from a snake would be not to mess with them, and if you do encounter one, ....
http://hikearizona.com/dex2/article.php?AID=15

As for other humans...there's a whole crew here at HAZ that would recommend carring a gun, but I'd say that's excessive, pepper spray would work, but again, it's a personal issue for each person...99.9% of the time the people you encounter will be out there to enjoy the experience, just like you....so...relax! Have Fun and enjoy what this amazing state has to offer!

Rodney · Post by **Rodney** » Oct 17 2002 10:52 pm

Hi rdgit...if you can give a general area of where you will be visiting, I'm sure you will get several suggestions on things "not to miss".